The Selma Times-Journal

It’s all about the small things for the Southside football team.

Small adjustments, small mistakes – they all add up and make an impact on a team’s success.

But right now, molehills look like mountains for the Panthers.

“Little things like fumbled handoffs and dropped passes, we’re killing ourselves with,” coach Chris Raymond said. “We missed about 20 tackles last week against W.S. Neal. If I knew exactly what it was, I could tell you. I guess it’s just a mental thing.”

It has forced small changes in playing style that the Panthers (0-3, 0-2 4A Region 1) are also having trouble adjusting to.

Southside will have a new look when it plays Jackson (1-2, 1-1) Friday at Panther Stadium.

The Panthers have been working all week on a spread look.

Raymond figures if the team can utilize its speed, it will be better off down the stretch.

It will also take the pressure off running back Kevin Rowe, who is still producing despite lockdown tactics from opposing defenses.

“It’s probably half him, and half the offensive line,” Raymond said. “He’s just a tough little running back. People are crowding the line trying to stop him, but the thing about it is he’s still averaging about 135 rushing yards a game.”

Still winless, Raymond hasn’t panicked yet.

He’s just trying to keep his players from doing so.

“We started the same way last year,” Raymond said. “Our goal is always to make the playoffs. We just have to make mental adjustments.”